The Herd with Colin Cowherd Podcast

Episode: Jags SNAP Broncos Streak, College Football Playoff, Bears STUN Packers In OT, Steelers Win In WILD Finish
Date: December 22, 2025

Episode Overview

Colin Cowherd and guest analyst John Middlekauff deliver an action-packed breakdown of the latest NFL and college football highlights. They dissect dramatic game finishes, emerging storylines, and team trajectories with their signature blend of candor and insight. Key topics in this episode include the Steelers' gritty win in Detroit, the Chargers' late-season resurgence under Jim Harbaugh, the Jaguars’ statement victory over Denver, and a wild Bears overtime shocker against the Packers. The duo also takes a thorough look at the evolving college football playoff landscape and weigh in on some developing player controversies.

NFL Game Breakdowns & Insights

1. Steelers Survive Wild Finish in Detroit

Segment Start: 03:37

• Game recap: Steelers beat the Lions 29–24 in a nail-biter. Pittsburgh’s defense stood tall in the final minutes, despite confusion around a pass interference call that negated a would-be Lions touchdown.
• Key Player Discussion: Jared Goff throws for 360 yds/3 TDs and no picks, yet the Lions can't capitalize.
• Steelers Ground Game: Pittsburgh rushed for 230 yards, with explosive runs by Gainwell and Warren.
• On TJ Watt’s Impact:

  "What if getting his, you know, three weeks off with his legs, he comes back fresher? ... That could be a pretty big addition all of a sudden." – John Middlekauff (09:39)

• Aaron Rodgers’ Effect:

  "They haven't had an offensive leader in seven years… But again, his intellect, the way he picks apart a defense… he's exactly what they needed." – Colin (07:46)

• Playoff Prospects: Steelers could face the Chargers in a physical opening round, and with a healthy roster, could surprise.

2. Chargers’ Statement Win Over Dallas

Segment Start: 12:01

• Result Recap: Chargers 34, Cowboys 17. Dallas made little impression as LA’s in-season coaching adjustments shone through.
• Coaching Praise:

  "One of the great Jim Harbaugh coaching jobs." – John Middlekauff (13:19)

• Player Highlights: Receivers like Lad McConkey and Trey Harris have stepped up. Herbert was 23/29 with 300 yds and a 133 passer rating; zero sacks taken.
• Harbaugh Effect:

  "Well-coached, tough, but he's never had a quarterback that's this good at passing… You count on one hand and not get too far how many quarterbacks are better than [Herbert] right now." – John (15:35)

• Cowboys Management Critique:

  "Mike McCarthy now looks really, really smart and is now one of the leading candidates for jobs out there. I just look at Dallas and it's like… Jerry just doesn't respect coaching." – Colin (16:37)

3. Jaguars Dominate Broncos, Snap Their Streak

Segment Start: 25:38

• Game Recap: Jaguars routed the Broncos 34–20 in Denver, halting a Denver streak and shining national attention on Trevor Lawrence.
• Lawrence’s Growth: 7–1 in last 8 starts (122 rating, 20 total TDs over that span).

  "Trevor Lawrence has become the quarterback we all thought he would become… He's not getting lured into the bad fumbles and bad throws anymore." – Colin (25:38)

• Coordinator Credit: Liam Cohen’s simplified offense unleashing Lawrence.
• Jags’ Defensive Talent:

  "This franchise has kind of been a laughing stock for a while… that means you get to draft a lot of players… They've got good players on defense." – John (28:01)

• On the Jags as Contenders:

  "Could they win the Super Bowl? I mean, it’s not out of the realm of possibility." – John (30:18)

4. Bears Rally to Stun Packers in Overtime

Segment Start: 41:18

• Game Recap: Chicago edges Green Bay 22–16 in OT, thanks to a resilient finish and key special teams plays.
• Malik Willis’ Performance: Stepping in at QB for Green Bay, he showcased dual-threat ability.

  "He is electric. I don't know what Jordan love, where he's at with his injury. You can win games with Malik Willis and this defense." – Colin (41:18)

• Chicago’s Roster Strength:

  "I'll say it again. I think Chicago's got good players… they have dynamic players. Caleb [Williams] without saying, but they're a handful." – Colin (46:05)

• Caleb Williams’ Resilience:

  "To be so under control in these cold games when he's running around. To me that shows clearly he's in great shape…" – John (47:12)

• Bears as Playoff Wildcard:

  "I could see them losing in the first round… or I could see them winning three straight games. I honestly could." – Colin (46:46)

College Football Playoff Talk

Power Teams Prove Worth, Cinderella Fades

Segment Start: 63:33

• Bama and Miami Win Big: Road victories for both programs validate their playoff inclusion.

  "Miami and Alabama were absolutely worthy of making this tournament." – Colin (64:10)

• Criticizing the Small Schools:

  "Cinderella teams are 0-4, losing by 23 points a game… I just think the first round of the College Football Playoff through two years is kind of ugly." – Colin (72:39)

• On Playoff Selection:

  "Aside from James Madison and Tulane, I thought they got it right. Texas had too many close games. Notre Dame just had to beat either A&M or Miami…" – Colin (65:23)

• Upcoming Matchups:
  • Texas Tech vs. Oregon ("billionaire bowl")
  • Indiana vs. Alabama ("historic giant vs. underdog" – John, 69:08)
  • Miami vs. Ohio State (expected defensive battle)
• Expectations for Second Round:

  "Now at this point going forward, I do believe these are the best teams. ... These are the eight best teams in the country." – Colin (68:29)

Notable Player and Coaching Storylines

Steelers' Leadership Void and Aaron Rodgers’ Effect

• Steelers still lack offensive leadership:

  "The Steelers haven't had an offensive leader in seven years… This has been a tone deaf offense for years." – Colin (07:46)

• On Aaron Rodgers:

  "His mind is as powerful as anything they have this year and they've really lacked that." – John (05:45)

Chargers' Improvement Under Harbaugh

• Personnel evolution and coaching:

  "This is in-season coaching. Like 15 weeks ago you looked at this and thought they don't have enough weapons. Their issue now is online. Their weapons are fine." – Colin (12:01)

Dallas Cowboys' Organizational Stubbornness

• Jerry Jones’ reluctance to invest in elite coaches a recurring hurdle:

  "Whenever you pay for a bargain, that's what you get, a bargain. And it's kind of a bargain basement staff." – Colin (18:03)

Jags' New Identity and Coaching Star

• Liam Cohen’s rise:

  "Liam Cohen's a star. …And part of being a head coach is more than just calling plays." – John (29:50)

Puka Nacua’s Maturity & Rams’ Roster Decisions

Segment Start: 59:05

• Concerns over Puka Nacua’s off-field behavior and durability
• Possible future roster moves signaled if Rams draft a WR early

  "Good God… he's been told multiple times get it together, and he just hasn't. So I think that's something. Come draft time in April, they have two firsts, a second, a third... Keep your eye on it over the next six months." – Colin (59:05)

College QB Discussion: Jackson Dart vs. Fernando Mendoza

Segment Start: 32:55

• Dart’s inconsistencies and Giants’ QB quandary

  "He's an erratic player when it comes to physical play of not understanding. Bro, what are you doing here?" – John (33:58)

• Colin on Mendoza’s rise:

  "He’s not transformational like that. He's not a great athlete. ... But I do think it's something you have to consider. It's just hard to get a judgment on Jackson Dart." (35:49)

Memorable Quotes

• On Steelers Running Game:
  "The Steelers ran for 230 yards on them and they got those two explosive runs."
  – John (05:45)

• On Justin Herbert:
  "You count on one hand and not get too far how many quarterbacks are better than [Herbert] right now."
  – John (15:35)

• On Jags' Potential:
  "Could they win the Super Bowl? ... It's not out of the realm of possibility."
  – John (30:18)

• On Caleb Williams:
  "He just doesn't get nervous… he kind of likes the pressure. He likes the intensity of the moment."
  – Colin (52:32)

• On Playoff Selection:
  "Now at this point going forward, I do believe these are the best teams."
  – Colin (68:29)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Steelers-Lions Finish & Analysis: 03:37 – 12:01
• Chargers Statement Win & Coaching Talk: 12:01 – 18:59
• Jags Dominate Broncos: 25:38 – 30:53
• Gritty Bears OT Win Over Packers: 41:18 – 47:12
• Puka Nacua/Rams Situation: 59:05 – 62:50
• College Football Playoff Reactions: 63:33 – 74:02
• QB Discussion – Dart v. Mendoza: 32:55 – 36:55

Final Thoughts & Picks

• 49ers over Colts prediction (Monday Night Football):

  "I'm going to take the Niners to win by a touchdown." – Colin (76:46)

Takeaways

• Steelers and Chargers are finding form at the right time, each with unique strengths.
• The Jaguars have emerged as legitimate threats in the AFC thanks to a maturing Trevor Lawrence and forward-thinking coaching.
• College Football Playoff field is finally narrowing to the real contenders, with mid-major upsets looking unlikely.
• Quarterback development (both in the NFL and NCAA) remains deeply tied to stability, leadership, and organizational support.

Summary prepared for listeners who want to get all the insights and major turning points without sitting through the full episode.